This is a very well-written book. From my first immpression on it, John Knowles still really knows what it is like to be a kid. I think that the theme of this novel so far is Civilian Life During the War. It tells a story about two young american boys going through school during WWII. It takes place in Devon, New Hampshire. It is set in the first-person through the mind of Gene Forrester. I am currently on page 79. The first half of the book is set during the Summer Session of School with Gene's friend Finny, short for Phineas. Gene is an intelligent and relatively happy intellectual, while Phineas is an athletic, friendly and clever daredevil. Together they make an unbreakable team. The two boys are sixteen years old. Gene can always count on Finny for some adventure, while Finny can always count on Gene to be there to bring along. Life is great for them during the Summer Session; The teachers are calm and relaxed about the rules, and there is so much to do. Phineas brings Gene along for all the fun, but always seems to get away with anything by using his quick inventive wit. That is one very unique thing about Phineas. I don't think I know anybody that even comes close to comparing with Finny. He is such a different character than the kind of people that I am used to; But I can tell you that each and every day would be way more interesting if I had a Phineas in my life. As Gene follows Phineas around, they end up with Phineas Shattering his leg... Let me tell you how. Well, Finny would (as I said) bring Gene whever he went. From the ocean shore to the Great Tree by the river where the seniors would jump out of. Phineas challenged Gene to take the plunge with him from the titanic tree. It was this dare that sparked the creation of The Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session. This group was created to test the courage of their fellow friends. The only way to be initiated was t
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